F
eline herpes-it causes sneezing, coughing, watery eyes,
and in the case of a two-year-old cat named Gigi,
conjunctivitis that caused her to lose an eye. This condi-
tion has posed problems that one would think overwhelm-
ing, but in the new home of her adoptive owner, Gigi the
“Pirate Cat” is happier than ever.
In September of 2015, animal rescuers discovered
animals living in the home of a hoarder where they
suffered from neglect, and were removed from the situa-
tion. One kitten was given the name Gigi and placed in
the care of Parker Paws, an animal fostering organization
local to Parker County, in hopes that she would find a
home. But, upon interception, things became complicated.
Placing Gigi should have been easy because of her
youth and social nature. However, Gigi wasn’t ready to be
fostered or adopted yet because of glaring medical issues.
“She had an upper respiratory infection and chronic
eye infections,” Becky, the Parker Paws cat coordinator,
said. “The vet thinks that her sinuses became stunted and
never fully developed.”
For a year, Gigi was in foster care due to her medical
dilemma. Finally, the decision was made that her right eye
was so infected, it needed to be removed. The removal
was successful, and not only allowed her to recover and
make her eligible for adoption, but also gained sympathy
from potential adopters. In May of 2016, a young couple
adopted Gigi into their home.
Unfortunately, the adoption was short lived. The family
discovered they had a cat allergy and couldn’t keep her in
their home, but Gigi also suffered from that environment.
“Gigi was returned with heavy discharge around her
eye due to feline herpes,” she said. “Heavy stress causes
outbreaks, which is why cats with this virus are to be kept
exclusively indoors and in low stress homes.” The couple
had recently adopted a small dog that likely caused the
outbreak.
Again, Gigi’s health prevented her from finding a
home, as most adopters were scared off by the word
‘herpes’ or thought Gigi would be too much maintenance.
She went through three more foster homes before a new
foster, Suzanne Ogatis, agreed to take in Gigi.
“I didn’t know anything about her. I didn’t even see
any of her pictures at all,” Ogatis said. “I was a bit skepti-
cal about her because of her disease. I have three cats at
home, too. That’s how we started with her, but the cats
fell in love with her.”
A vaccine protected Ogatis’s cats and gave Gigi a
place she was loved, and could maintain her health. In
June of 2018, she was adopted. Today, Gigi enjoys play-
ing with her cat siblings and greeting guests in Ogatis’s
home.
“When we have people coming over she will be
around them all the time,” Ogatis said.
More than anything, Gigi needed somewhere to
belong, like many animals. If you are considering adopting
a pet, don’t automatically overlook those with imperfec-
tions. Most adoption agencies will aid with medications
and treatments for an animal if you choose to adopt them,
and don’t be afraid to do a little research, because the best
pets are often those that need us the most.
Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter
Giving Second Chances
Campaign
$1.65 Million Goal
to improve The WPCAS facilityand their life saving efforts.
(All donations are tax deductable)
Donate online at: weatherfordtx.gov/animals
[email protected]
http://www.facebook.com/WPCAnimal
403 Hickory Lane | Weatherford, TX | 76086 | 817-598-4111
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